#americanremake-sequel

The Grudge 3 [2009]. Japan & United States. 90 minutes. Directed by Toby Wilkins.

The latest in the American Grudge films has one of the dullest stories ever. Which is odd because the ending actually sells pretty well. Honestly its the whole notion of uprooting a Japanese horror classic and replanting it in Chicago which makes this story fail to really scare at all. It all feels too out of place. It would have been better if The Grudge series had done like The Ring did and translated the original story into something similar enough in an American setting. I dunno. The ending is nice, but really the whole film disappoints despite employing Shawnee Smith (of SAW fame) and Marina Sirtis (Counselor Troy from ST:TNG). All that being said, the little girl with the lung issues is absolutely adorable and a great actress and did not deserve to be stuck in this stinker of a film.

The Grudge 2 [2006]. Japan & United States. 102 minutes. Directed by Shimizu Takashi.

So, where the first Grudge film had the fresh look of the Saekis and the disturbing original first story to fall back on, this film occurs completely outside the original storyline, and so therefore must rely upon tedious sex appeal and idiotic dialogue to keep audiences interested. There are very few moments in this film that ever feel remotely scary, which is disappointing because this film stars Amber Tamblyn, who can be remembered forever as the girl who dies first in The Ring. Unfortunately her character is incredibly boring, as are most of the characters in this film. I’d have to say the principal’s office scene is the lone redeeming moment in this film, so if you can, please just skip right past this turd. Despite Shimizu Takashi’s excellent direction, the acting and the writing is far too aggravating for any real enjoyment.